After his hearing was blocked by Senate Republicans, Justice Jon Levy today answered questions from members of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

WASHINGTON (AP) _ A day after his hearing was blocked by Senate Republicans, a Maine Supreme Judicial Court justice nominated to the federal bench has gone before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Justice Jon Levy and four other federal judicial nominees on Thursday answered questions posed by committee members who are expected to make their recommendation to the full Senate in coming weeks.

Levy has the support of both of Maine's senators.

Independent Sen. Angus King, who as governor appointed Levy to the court, called him a ``judge's judge.'' And Republican Sen. Susan Collins described him as having varied experiences including helping pro bono elderly clients and working with the juvenile justice and drug courts.

Levy was supposed to appear before the panel on Wednesday, but Republicans blocked the hearing.